Holiday (RETIRED) Cruise Review to Caribbean - Western

"A Quality 4-Day Get-Away!"

Sail Date: May 01, 2008

Reviewed:8 years ago

Traveled As: Large Group

Room Type: Oceanview

Upon arrival at the port, the ship did not seem much smaller than the newer Carnival ships...Its been maintained extremely well for its age. We did feel a bit more rocking than usual on our 1st "Fun Day at Sea"...but apparently the seas were a little rougher than normal. We had a group of 7 friends and family members . . . and we all had a great time on our cruise. And thanks to the deal found through . . . we aren't broke! This cruise ship is older, but a GREAT value for the money!

Pros: Staff OnBoard, Cozumel Shore Excursion, Refinished Bathrooms

Cons: Main open-seating dining room is a little cramped for space, Mobile Port Embarkation/Debarkation took more time than anticipated

Recommends Holiday (RETIRED)? Yes!

Category Ratings

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Ship Quality

The ship size is only slightly smaller than the newer Carnival additions. The layout is definitely a little different than the newer ships . . . only slightly harder to navigate because there isn't an atrium like some of the more modern ships. They have maintained the ship extremely well and we saw maintenance staff constantly working on both the exterior and interior of the ship. The bathrooms appear to have been completely redone and are in excellent shape . . . even nicer than some of the newer ships I've been on. The ship did not have a running track, which was missed. But it does have a mid-size fitness center with a prime pool view!

Entertainment

We did not attend any of the evening shows . . . the the pool-side activities were entertaining! There was also a mexican buffett night with a poolside party . . . lots of fun! I wish there were a few more poolside activities to watch...

Food and Dining

The food was great, as always. Though I saw reviews questioning the ability of this older ships' kitchen, I noticed no issues with the temperature and quality of the food. In fact, at the 24/7 pizzeria, I would advise a few minutes to let your pizza cool because it is HOT from the oven! The main open-seating dining area was a little cramped in its design, but not horrible - just a little tough to find a seat at lunchtime. The formal dining rooms were very similar to the newer ships. The staff was marvelous - especially our waiter, Mustika aka "Mistake" . . . great singer, entertaining and good service - with his assistants!

Cabin / Stateroom

Size of our oceanview cabin seemed a smidgen larger than the newer ships . . . very comparable in decor. The new "Carnival Sleep System" linens and matress are marvelous! And again, the redone bathroom was very clean and well-maintained.

Service and Staff

What this ship lacks in luxury, it makes up for in quality staff . . . dare I say, even a little more attentive than some of the newer Carnival ships! Please note EXCELLENT dining staff remarks above!

Port Ratings

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I would recommend the excellent shore excursion we took - the "Deluxe Sail, Snorkel and Beach Party" - about 3hrs in duration. 45min of snorkeling off a catamaran boat, followed by an hour at a secluded beach.... with hammocks, floats....
Free beer and margaritas . . .Wonderful staff committed to making sure guests have a safe, great time! If you're into the wild life - stop at Carlos n' Charlies - definitely not a place for the family, but excellent for a party!
Don't Miss: "Deluxe Sail, Snorkel and Beach Party"

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